- You must be 21 or older and able to look after your helper's wellbeing. No income? You may apply under a special scheme, such as sponsorship, or show your savings.
- First-time employers complete the Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP) at least 2 working days before applying.
- MOM maid levy: S$300 a month, or S$60 with a concession. A second helper is S$450.
- Medical insurance needs an annual claim limit of at least S$60,000. You pay it, never your helper.
- S$5,000 security bond for every non-Malaysian helper, usually bundled into the insurance.
- Salary is due within 7 days after each salary period. She gets 1 rest day a week, and at least 1 a month cannot be paid off.
Friends, every first-time employer asks the same 15 questions.
Who qualifies? How much? What is this bond? Can she have a phone?
So here they are, in one place, with MOM's rules in plain English.
Who can hire a maid in Singapore?
Can I hire more than one maid?
You can hire a second helper if you or your spouse is at least 60, you have at least 2 children below 18 living with you, a parent or parent-in-law aged 60 or above lives with you, or someone in your household is assessed by AIC as a person with disabilities eligible for levy concession. Each extra helper costs S$450 a month in levy at the standard rate.
What is the EOP and do I need it?
- The Employers' Orientation Programme is for first-time employers. Employers who change more than 3 helpers in 12 months attend a separate CONNECT Workshop.
- It covers your responsibilities, MOM rules and how to build a good working relationship.
- You take it in a classroom or online, at least 2 working days before the Work Permit application goes in.
How much does it cost to hire a maid in Singapore?
Indicative ranges. Full line-by-line budget: Cost of hiring a maid in Singapore: full 2026 breakdown.
What are the MOM levy, insurance and bond rules?
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Item | MOM rule | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Levy | S$300 a month; S$60 with concession | Concession for a citizen child below 16, an elderly person 67+, or a person with disabilities |
| Medical insurance | At least S$60,000 annual claim limit | Insurer pays first S$15,000 in full, then 75%; you pay 25% unless a rider covers it |
| Personal accident | At least S$60,000 sum assured a year | Usually sold in the same package |
| Security bond | S$5,000 guarantee, except Malaysians | No cash upfront with an insurer's guarantee |
None of these costs can be passed to your helper, even if she agrees.
Who pays my maid's medical bills?
You do. That includes illness that has nothing to do with work. Your insurance covers inpatient care and day surgery up to its limits. Outpatient visits are usually on you unless your plan adds them.
Can I get the levy back when she goes on home leave?
Yes, partly. If she is overseas for 7 or more consecutive days, you can apply for a levy waiver, capped at 60 days a year. Each month's levy is due by the 17th of the following month, and two missed months in a row can cost her Work Permit.
What is the Settling-in Programme (SIP)?
A one-day MOM course for helpers working in Singapore for the first time. It covers safety precautions and living in Singapore, and she must attend within 7 days of arrival (excluding Sundays and public holidays). It costs from S$76.40 and you pay. Transfers who already worked here skip it.
How many rest days must a maid get?
- 1 rest day every week.
- At least 1 rest day a month must be taken. You cannot pay her to work it.
- For other rest days she works, pay at least 1 day's salary per day, or give a replacement day in the same month, if you both agree.
- Agree rest days in writing so nobody argues later.
Can my maid have a phone?
Yes. Agree simple house rules early, such as no phone while caring for a baby or cooking.
How and when do I pay her salary?
- Pay within 7 days after each salary period ends.
- Bank transfer is the cleanest record. If you pay cash, keep a signed salary slip.
- Late salary can lead MOM to forfeit your security bond.
How long does hiring a maid take?
Transfers are usually the quickest, since she is already here. Overseas hires take longer because of home-country paperwork and flights. Ask your agency for its current timeline.
What if things do not work out with my maid?
- Talk first. Many problems are unclear expectations.
- Ask your agency for help. Most licensed agencies offer mediation and a replacement policy, so check its terms before you sign.
- If you end the contract, she can transfer to a new employer or you send her home, as MOM rules require.
How do I know a candidate is a good fit?
- Ask specific questions: past duties, ages of children she cared for, cooking.
- For transfers, ask the agency about her past employers' feedback.
- Be clear about your workload, house size and rest days. Good helpers turn down vague offers.
P.S. Most hiring headaches come from one missing conversation. Agree rest days, phone rules and duties on day one.
